-A broad program has therefore been set up to control the different infectious and tropical diseases in Côte d’Ivoire, hence some compulsory and other vaccinations have been institutionalised. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory, while other vaccinations and prophylaxis are strongly recommended.

-Yellow Fever is a risk in Côte d’Ivoire, so the government requires proof of vaccination for all travellers over one year before entering the country. It can be administered from the age of 9 months.

Did you know ?

REVACCINATION OR A BOOSTER DOSE OF YELLOW FEVER VACCINE IS NO LONGER REQUIRED.

In 2014, The World Health Assembly adopted an amendment to the International Health Regulations, which stipulates that the period of protection afforded by yellow fever vaccination, and the term of validity of the certificate will change from 10 years to the duration of the

life of the person vaccinated. On 11 July 2016, the amendment entered into force and is legally binding upon all countries. Therefore revaccination or a booster dose of yellow fever vaccine is no longer required. Like most endemic countries, Côte d'Ivoire still requires proof of vaccination from international travelers as a condition of entry.

Make sure you are also up to date with the following routine vaccines:

Hepatitis A – You can get it through contaminated water and/or food regardless of where you eat or live. So it is highly recommended that people of one year old and over get the two doses that provide protection for 10 years.

Typhoid Fever is also a risk in Cote d’Ivoire and you can get it through contaminated water and/or food. Its vaccine (followed by a booster every 3 years) is recommended for most travellers, especially if you are an adventurous eater.

Viral Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood and semen among others, which can be passed on through sexual contact, contaminated needles, etc. It is administered from 2 months of age and requires 3 doses in order to provide for 10 years or even a lifetime protection.

Meningitis is most common around the dry season (December to June), therefore, it is recommended that its vaccine be taken (from the age of 2 years) and provides protection for 3 years.

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals. It can be transmitted through animal bites among other ways so it is important to get vaccination especially for children as they play with animals and may not report bites.

There are yearly Cholera outbreaks; therefore it is important to try by all means to drink purified water. Bleaching procedures and thorough cooking of food is encouraged

Malaria is present in all areas in Cote d’Ivoire with the transmission duration from around February to December, and constant transmission during the rainy season. Malaria symptoms usually appear 7 to 15 days after being infected and they include but not limited to fever, headache, muscle ache, chills, fatigue, as well as vomiting.

Useful Tips to reduce the risk of malaria:

-If possible, avoid outdoor dusk and dawn hours as they pose greater risk of being infected.

-Always apply anti-mosquito sprays, lotions and any other insect repellents especially when outdoors. Products containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) are the most effective. If allegic to DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil is an alternative.

-Avoid exposing your skin as much as possible when outdoors, especially at night. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers.

-Install permethrin-treated net of doors and windows of the house

-Sleep under a permethrin-treated bed net.

-If possible, sleep in rooms with air-conditioning and lower ambient temperatures as it will reduce the risk of bites.

-Taking the initial chemoprophylasis for about 3months will reduce the risk of Malaria infection.

If however you happen to be infected with the virus, testing (15 min Rapid Test by finger pricking) and treating Malaria can be a simple and fast process. However, make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.

The Government of Malawi recently launched the world's first malaria vaccine in a landmark pilot programme. The country is the first of three in Africa in which the vaccine, known as RTS,S, will be made available to children up to 2 years of age; Ghana and Kenya will introduce the vaccine right after. Thirty years in the making, RTS,S is the first, and to date the only, vaccine that has demonstrated it can significantly reduce malaria in children. In clinical trials, the vaccine was found to prevent approximately 4 in 10 malaria cases, including 3 in 10 cases of life-threatening severe malaria.

The new vaccine is a complementary malaria control tool – to be added to the core package of WHO-recommended measures for malaria prevention, including the routine use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying with insecticides, and the timely use of malaria testing and treatment.

General Health Tips:

Protecting yourself and your loved ones against insect and animal bites will help prevent some of these infections. Here are some general personal and food hygiene to help prevent and reduce the risk of infection in a tropical country like Côte d’Ivoire:

-Get vaccinated and take prophylaxis when necessary.-Eat and drink safely.-Avoid sharing bodily fluids.-Reduce the exposure to germs and always wash your hands appropriately.-Try not to walk or lie directly on the sand at the beach to avoid the risk of hookworms.-Although tap water is generally drinkable in Côte d’Ivoire, drinking filtered and/or bottled water and ice is recommended to avoid the risk of getting Typhoid fever.-Do not try your clothes outside to avoid the risk of myiasis, otherwise, steam iron them immediate.-Maintain personal security and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

The National Association of Doctors

(Ordre National des Médecins de Côte d'Ivoire) is a national, voluntary association of doctors and doctors-in-training. It is responsible for engaging and serving doctors and is the national voice for the highest standards of health care. It also provides leadership guidance to doctors.